PA Spain

🇪🇸 Spain – Preparation Activities Report

Project: "Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Mentally: Embrace the Unknown" (MENTAL COMFORT)

Duration: 1 March 2025 – 28 February 2026
Coordinating Organisation: ACPELIA
Focus: Mental Health, Physical Activity, Comfort Zone, Inclusion

🌿 Introduction

In Spain, the preparation phase of the MENTAL COMFORT project focused on understanding how sports and non-formal education contribute to mental well-being among young people.
Spanish youth organizations, schools, and sports associations collaborated to identify effective programs, local practices, and barriers related to mental health and physical activity. The activities encouraged young people to reflect on how movement and teamwork help them step out of their comfort zones and improve emotional balance.

🧠 Current State of Youth Mental Health in Spain

Research conducted during preparation revealed that Spanish youth are facing a critical mental health situation:

  • Many adolescents struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Stigma and lack of trust still prevent young people from seeking help.

  • Girls report higher levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, and social comparison.

  • Socio-economic inequalities deepen mental health gaps — those from disadvantaged backgrounds face higher risks.

  • Early prevention and mental health services are limited and uneven across regions.

Despite these challenges, awareness is increasing, and Spain is investing in prevention, emotional education, and the integration of sports as a mental health tool.

⚽ Physical Activity as a Tool for Mental Well-Being

Spain promotes physical activity as a key driver of emotional and social health.
National and regional programs include:

  1. National Strategy Against Sedentarism (2025–2030): Encourages regular physical activity and combats inactivity.

  2. "Actívate" Campaign (CSD): National awareness campaign connecting exercise with emotional balance.

  3. School-Based Interventions (Ministry of Health): Physical education linked to emotional intelligence and cooperation.

  4. Strategic Plan to Reduce Childhood Obesity: Promotes active lifestyles and holistic well-being including mental health.

These actions show that movement builds mental comfort, encouraging youth to take small steps toward greater self-awareness and confidence.

🚧 Barriers Identified

Spanish youth identified several obstacles to participation in sports and self-development activities:

  1. Fear of failure and low self-confidence.

  2. Social pressure and stereotypes discouraging participation in some sports.

  3. Economic barriers — some sports or clubs are too costly.

  4. Lack of family support or encouragement.

  5. Overloaded schedules with school and work, limiting free time for self-care.

These barriers were discussed in local workshops, helping participants design strategies for resilience, inclusion, and self-expression.

DOWNLOAD RESEA...PORT.pdf

💡 Best Practices from Spain

💙 1. "SanaMente" – Promoting Mental Health Through Sports

Led by: Federación Salud Mental Andalucía
Goal: Use sports to improve well-being for individuals with mental health challenges.
Activities:

  • Hiking, team challenges, and community competitions.

  • Equipment support for local associations.
    Impact:
    Improved mood, self-esteem, and inclusion; reduced stigma; enhanced community spirit.
    Educational Value:
    Shows how sports can complement therapy and promote resilience in vulnerable groups

    Sanamemte Best practice

    .

💜 2. "CONFIA" (TRUST) – Growth and Guidance Program for Athletes

Led by: Community of Madrid
Goal: Support athletes in both performance and mental well-being.
Strategies:

  • Safe environments to discuss emotions without stigma.

  • Training for coaches and families in mental health awareness.

  • Techniques like visualization, breathing, and meditation to manage stress.
    Outcomes:

  • Better performance through emotional balance.

  • Reduced burnout and anxiety.

  • Normalized conversations about mental health in sports

    BEST PRACTICES COLLETION CONFIA

    .

💚 3. "Unexpected Paths" – Urban Adventure Routes

Led by: Local youth collective in Madrid
Goal: Encourage people to break routine and face the unknown through exploration.
How it works:

  • Weekly mystery routes through forests, mountains, or historic places.

  • Includes orientation games, photo challenges, and trust-building activities.
    Impact:
    Boosts confidence, helps people overcome shyness, and connects participants with nature and others

    Best Practices 2

    .

🧩 4. School and Community Initiatives

Local schools and municipalities organize workshops, sports events, and outdoor programs promoting:

  • Emotional regulation and teamwork.

  • Mindfulness and breathing exercises in PE classes.

  • Creative arts and outdoor activities to reduce stress and loneliness.

These initiatives help youth connect, move, and express emotions safely, reflecting MENTAL COMFORT values.

🎯 Preparation Activities Summary

The Spanish team engaged in:

  • Desk research on national programs (CSD, IPDJ, Health Ministry).

  • Workshops and focus groups in Madrid and Seville about "Comfort Zone and Courage."

  • Discussions with athletes and youth workers to share strategies for resilience.

  • Development of local posters and infographics showing how physical activity supports mental health.

These activities prepared Spanish participants to actively contribute to the Youth Exchange in Cyprus, bringing inspiring methods and best practices from Spain.

🌈 Conclusion

The preparation activities in Spain highlighted that sports and non-formal education can transform how young people view mental health. Through cooperation, creativity, and courage, they learned that stepping out of their comfort zone means stepping into growth.
Spain's programs — from SanaMente to CONFIA — show that with empathy, awareness, and teamwork, we can make mental health a shared strength rather than a hidden struggle.